Dreamy Waterfall Elopement Locations: An Adventurous Bride's Guide to Saying "I Do" in Nature's Wonderland
Hey there, adventurous brides-to-be! Are you dreaming of an intimate wedding that embraces nature's beauty and ignites your sense of adventure? Have you considered a waterfall wedding? Picture exchanging vows amidst the soothing sound of cascading water, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and your loved ones. As an outdoor enthusiast and as a professional photographer, I have rounded up my top waterfall locations and tips that would be perfect for your upcoming wedding day celebration. Join me in discovering why a waterfall elopement or wedding may be just perfect for you in your quest to find a unique way to celebrate your wedding day.
Benefits of Waterfall Elopements:
Waterfalls can offer a plethora of options to fit your idea of a perfect outdoor wedding experience. Imagine the serenity, the romance, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's embrace in an intimate one on one ceremony, or have your most important loved ones with you in a micro wedding or a larger traditional wedding. These locations were hand picked by me with not only their photographic factor, but their versatility to accommodate all ideas of a perfect waterfall wedding experience. So Lets jump in!
#1. ITHACA, NY
Make it stand out
A Town Built Around Waterfalls with Naturally Picturesque Backdrops and Versatility to Accommodate Any Waterfall Wedding Experience
Have you ever heard of the phrase "Ithaca is GORGES?" This popular saying, embraced by both locals and visitors, is no exaggeration. With 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius, Ithaca earns my vote for the best waterfall elopement destination on the East Coast. But waterfalls are not all this charming town has to offer – Ithaca is also an ideal location for couples seeking a private romantic weekend wedding elopement in upstate NY, hosting a small micro wedding, or throwing a grand traditional wedding – all of which can incorporate the stunning backdrop of your choice of picturesque waterfalls.
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The Falls: Oh the Possibilities! Say “I do” in front of the grand Tunkhannock Falls and make a statement, enjoy the quiet architectural beauty of Businessman falls, or the adventure of a hike to incorporate multiple waterfalls in one amazing hike.
One of my favorite spots in Ithaca is the Enfield falls in the Robert Treman State Park. This perfect walk-up location can accommodate guests and provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony. Best part? If you get married in the summer, go ahead and jump in, and invite your guests too as well. Enfield falls is natural, public swimming hole complete with a diving board and all! Pavilions make for a perfect picnic style reception or space to set up a catered meal. The cabin rentals on site are perfect for families that travel and need a place to stay that is budget friendly.
Ithaca is more than just the falls, the charming downtown area has many unique shops, restaurants, and stunning photo ops. The downtown walls and buildings proudly display over 400 hand painted murals from local artist.
Food and drink options are plentiful in the town of Ithaca. If you are out chasing waterfalls on your wedding day and work up an for lunch, check out their adorable open air farmers market which has a variety of cuisines, or a relaxing pre wedding lunch on the river at the Boatyard Grill.
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Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Speaking of drink options, the finger lakes region is most well known for its wineries. All 130 of them. Most wineries are located on Seneca Lake and Cayuga lakes. Make a day, or evening or weekend out of visiting a few. There are many companies that offer winery tours so you can sit back, relax, and sip your way through your wedding celebration. One of my favorite options is ***boat tour***. Several of the wineries in the area have stunning grounds and tasting rooms which can host both the small intimate elopement, the larger traditional wedding or anything in between.
For a complete guide on Ithaca Weddings***
#2. Adirondacks, NY
The Adirondacks, home of the 46 tallest mountains in NY is any outdoor hiking couples paradise! It also has the versatility to be a perfect fit for any type of wedding day celebration from elopements to full bridal party weddings. When you combine the mountains and waterfalls you get something even more magical.
Hiking can be a top reason to visit the Adirondacks, and if it’s waterfalls you are chasing, there are a plethora of hiking trails that have stunning spots to stop and say I do. Many of the trails in the Adirondacks can be long and recommended for experienced hikers, however there is something for everyone. Here’s a few recommendations.
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Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The hiking waterfall elopement: The experienced hiker elopement option.
It may be hard to choose a spot to exchange vows on this loop. Start the hike by checking out Rainbow falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Adirondack park standing at 150 ft tall. Exchange vows here or keep heading up to Indian Head- an iconic and jaw dropping view of the Lower Ausable Lake and the Lower Great Range. Indian head makes for a fantastic sunset view, and even better stargazing view. If you said I do on the way up, consider having your cake or first dance on the top of Indian Head at sunset. Bring a blanket and snuggle up and enjoy the stars on a clear night (if your extra lucky, certain times a year, the Milky Way lines up perfectly in the valley making an unforgettable experience). Another falls to consider on your loop is Beaver Meadow Falls. A 60 Ft cascading waterfall that can be easily added to the rainbow falls and Indian head loop.
If you are hosting a micro wedding or traditional wedding in the Adirondacks but still want the waterfall experience, check out High Gorge falls, a 22 acre park boasting 4 impressive cascading waterfalls and can host up to 100 guests. The loop to check out all the falls takes about 30 minuets to complete and is considered a beginner level hike making it perfect for your guests to stay and explore after the ceremony. Check out https://highfallsgorge.com/ for more information.
If hiking is not your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of walk up waterfalls and an entire charming town to explore. Check out Split Rock falls, an easy quick hike with a multi level waterfall. Have your ceremony and mosey on in to the adorable town of Lake Placid.
Lake Placid, the city that stays both beautiful and bustling in every season of the year boasts many food and lodging options. Mirror lake, the center of town creates a peaceful backdrop for water front dining but can also be an adventure land come winter with ice skating, toboggan racing and even dog sledding. From horse rides, to aerial plane tours, the Adirondacks make a great elopement or wedding location.
For a complete guide on Ithaca Weddings***
#3. Ohiopyle, PA
The Ohiopyle and Youghiogheny River area has long attracted outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting some of the best whitewater rafting, kayaking and boating you can find on the east coast, It also has, you guessed it! Waterfalls!
Cucumber falls is a stunning vail waterfall that is easily accessed by a short hike. If you wanted to make the trek longer, there are several hiking trails in the area- some with fantastic overlooks that are also strong contenders for an elopement ceremony.
You may have seen this iconic famous waterfall house built by Frank Lloyd Write, Falling waters. https://fallingwater.org/. Visit and tour this one of a kind house built on top of a waterfall. If you wanted to host your wedding here, The Barn at falling water can host up to 150 guests in their renovated barn
